Apr 3, 2013

There is a reason I used "C" for chai and not "T" for Tea. Chai evokes many memories in my mind whereas tea just reminds me of black Tea without milk. Chai to me is the Indian Tea, with milk and spices. (To all my Non-Indian readers, Chai is simply the Hindi word for Tea) Nobody takes their Chai as seriously as my parents. For them it’s not just a cup of tea, it’s a sacred ritual. Their morning Chai routine is unwavering. The Tea kettle must be heated to the correct temperature and if its winter the cups must be gently rinsed in warm water. The tea leaves and spices are put in just as the water begins to boil and left to steep for exactly two minutes. (yes yes they do go by the clock)

The tea is poured out and my Dad sniffs at the aroma with the air of a connoisseur. The first sip is taken, A marie biscuit broken into two and reverently eaten with the ambrosial brew. You can almost see the smile of contentment on their faces. They have other cups of tea throughout the day, but nothing is as sacred and important as that first morning cup.

I usually don’t approach my parents until they have had their morning cup of tea. They are far more amicable after that first cuppa!

My father loves his tea. We went to Palampur last year, all of us looking forward to relaxing amongst the mountains and the lush greenery of the tea gardens. He on the other hand just had one motive - to Drink the Famous Kangra tea. And he drink he did by the gallon, sitting in his hotel balcony overlooking the tea gardens. !

A tea garden near our resrot

I have some wonderful travel memories associated with Tea. My favorite memory is of driving through the Himalayas and stopping at a small road side Dhabha. It was cold and drizzling and we were starved. The owner made us crispy Pakoras and we washed them down with cups of steaming Ginger – Cardamom Tea. We couldn't have asked for anything better on that chilly evening.

A few months back While trekking along the Pangong lake in Ladakh, we befriended a feisty young girl called Padma. She took us to meet her family and we had delicious cups of Gur Gur Chai (Salty Yak – Butter Tea) sitting on yak fur rugs in her smoky kitchen.

Another memorable cup of tea was with the Indian soldiers at Khardungla Pass.(The highest motorable road in the world) It was bitterly cold and that steaming cup of tea they gave us literally helped in thawing us out. It was a fantastic experience chatting with the Soldiers who have spent so many years in that sub zero temperature.

And since we are on the subject of Tea how can we forget Japan! Incidentally Tea is Japanese is called “Cha” I had Green tea for the first time when I went to japan and I have been hooked to it since. For the Japanese serving tea is a ceremony in itself. They have a wide range of Cha to choose from depending on the season and what is being eaten.

Japan is where tea is served both hot and cold and you can buy it in plastic bottles from vending machines.

I think it’s the only country that uses green tea in cakes and sweets as well. The Haagen Dazs there serves tea flavored ice cream and there are green tea KitKats :p

Those are some interesting facts about tea, in Kitkats, ice-creams, cakes et al? Bottled too!I love green tea. I love tea as such, but only the tea prepared by my own self ;) Reason: I cannot stand the overly milky teas. Loved reading about the chai ritual of your parents :)

Wow tea kit katsAwesommme ruchira am a bigggggg tea lover and everyone say I make best elaichi teaYour post is so temptingI want to go to Himalayas and have tea now !!My bestest tea memory is when I had at rohtang pass along with a steaming plate of MaggieWe suffered with AMS but tea helped a lotTea always is my savior !

My comment it self may become a post :p hence stopping here ;)People say coffee and they love CCD but to me nothing like tea . It uplifts like it does toThat girl in Lipton Taaza ad and my mood can be set right with one cup Loved reading this :)

I was nodding my head in approval when reading about your parents morning tea ritual... it is the same for me... the most cherished time in the morning is when I am sitting with my mug of tea... no disturbances, no talks... just me and my cup with a book or a newspaper or the laptop.Loved reading about your tea experiences. Even we have had tea with the soldiers at Khardungla! :)

I am not really a tea-lover but I have many of those around me, so completely understand your feelings. I have been subjected to forcibly have tea, many a times. I remember an incident where two of my tea-lover friends forced me to drink a sip or two of tea , late at night so that they don't commit the sin of pushing it down the drain as their mugs were more than full.

While they enjoyed their tea and went to sleep after a while, I ended up staying awake till 3 a.m. on a Monday morning. I haven't forgiven both of them yet.

I am not good in chatting but I love Tea. You may read the following of my blog "A Cup of Hot Tea = A Cup of Good Health

Tea Consumption Linked to Numerous Body Benefits

A hot cup of tea may do more than relax you. Research shows tea consumption may help prevent a wide range of ailments.

The latest medical research is finding potential healing powers in this ancient beverage. Recent research, for instance, suggests drinking tea may help prevent everything from cavities to Parkinson's disease. And some studies indicate it may even save lives.

The benefits of tea consumption may extend throughout the body, experts believe. Here is a partial list of conditions some research has shown may be prevented or improved by drinking tea: "Read more http://mrinalkantipal.blogspot.in/2011/02/cup-of-tea-elixir-of-life.html

As you must have seen from Jose's post this morning, tea is an essential ingredient in our lives! I love how tea has been a part of your travels - the cup that binds! :)I have heard of the Ladhaki chai but didn't know the name. Wondering whether you've heard of the American chai latte? It's another name for our masala chai, I'm guessing!

Just last week, I was at Makaibari Tea Estate, Kurseong. The famous Darjeeling Tea was an eye opener, the connoisseurs pay something like 18k for a kg of silver tips, incredible. Tasted more than 20 types ranging form first flush to dust. The whole experience was something to be cherished for a long time.

I don't mind drinking tea when I feel like. I like coffee better than tea but there are days that I yearn for tea. My mum loves her tea and sometimes when she sips her cuppa, i get the urge to take a sip as well.

the only green tea I have tried has always been quite ordinary and nothing as wonderful as most people say... maybe you need to get some to Kufri and serve us ! :D

Chai I guess is India's life line ! atleast the most parts of it... In gujarat Wagh-Bakri (Translation - tiger-goat see... we love animals) tea is very phamous !! have you tried it ??? maybe I will get a pack of it for you !!!

My parents too can't do without their chai in the morning and evening. I don't understand it but I have no such addiction. :)The one day I was really glad for a tea was when I came down from the freezing mount Titlis. There was an Indian Chai Van at the bottom of the mountain and I was so happy when I saw it.